Robin Gibb, one of three brothers who made up the Bee Gees and their now-iconic ’70s sound, has died. The singer succumbed to cancer at 62.
Gibb “passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery,” said a statement, which was attributed to Robin’s family.
He died in England at 10:47 a.m., according to his family.
Diagnosed with colon and liver cancer, Gibb had been in a coma as he battled pneumonia earlier this spring, representative Doug Wright said.
Doctors believe that Gibb had a secondary tumor, for which he had emergency surgery in 2010 for a blocked bowel and then had more surgery.
The only surviving member of the three Bee Gees is brother Barry, 65. Robin’s twin brother, Maurice, died in 2003 from similar health problems.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says on its website of Gibb’s band:
“In the 1970s, the Bee Gees dominated dance floors and airwaves. With their matching white suits, soaring high harmonies and polished, radio-friendly records, they remain one of the essential touchstones to that ultra-commercial era.”
Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive
News of his death set off a torrent of reaction in social media. Musician Bryan Adams, for instance, lamented “another great singer dying too young.”
“The Bee Gees were/are the gold standard when it comes to pop/r&b melody, harmony and vocal arrangement. Massive loss,” wrote Claude Kelly.
Fellow British band Duran Duran and current pop sensation Bruno Mars were among many who posted their condolences to Gibb’s brothers.
[Photo: WENN.com]
